J. K. Carriere
Summary
J.K. Carriere is a boutique Willamette Valley winery founded in 1999 by Jim Prosser, producing approximately 4,000 cases annually of primarily Pinot Noir from its 8.5-acre St. Dolores Estate vineyard on Parrett Mountain's iron-rich volcanic soils. Prosser maintains hands-on control throughout the winemaking process, employing extended cold soaks, native yeast fermentations, and minimal filtration to create site-specific expressions that authentically reflect Oregon's diverse terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
J.K. Carriere was established in 1999 by winemaker Jim Prosser in Oregon's Willamette Valley. The winery's name combines the first initials of Prosser's grandfathers, Jack and Kermit, with his grandmother's maiden name, Carriere. Prosser founded the winery after gaining experience at several notable Oregon wineries including Erath, Domaine Drouhin, and Brick House, as well as working harvests in Australia and New Zealand.
Initially, J.K. Carriere operated out of a 100-year-old hazelnut drying barn near Newberg, Oregon. In 2007, Prosser purchased a 40-acre property on Parrett Mountain in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, establishing the St. Dolores Estate vineyard and building a dedicated winery facility completed in 2009. Prosser continues to serve as owner and winemaker, maintaining direct oversight of all vineyard and cellar operations.
Vineyards & Wines
The St. Dolores Estate vineyard sits at elevations between 500 and 650 feet on Parrett Mountain in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. The 40-acre property includes 8.5 acres planted primarily to Pinot Noir, with smaller blocks of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The vineyard features Jory and Nekia soils—iron-rich volcanic basalt typical of the region—with south and southeast exposures.
J.K. Carriere sources additional fruit from established Willamette Valley vineyards including Temperance Hill, Gemini, Anderson Family, and Shea. The winery produces approximately 4,000 cases annually, with a portfolio centered on single-vineyard Pinot Noir wines. Additional offerings include a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir blend called "Provocateur," a white Pinot Noir labeled "Glass," and a traditional method sparkling wine named "Vespidae."
The St. Dolores Estate vineyard was planted between 2008 and 2011, with vine densities of 1,750 to 2,420 vines per acre. The Pinot Noir plantings include Dijon clones 115, 667, 777, and 828, along with heritage clones Pommard and Wädenswil.
Philosophy & Practice
J.K. Carriere's winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention to express site-specific characteristics. Prosser employs extended cold soaks lasting 5-7 days before fermentation, followed by gentle punch-downs during active fermentation. Pinot Noir wines typically undergo 100% malolactic fermentation and aging in French oak barrels for 12-18 months, with new oak usage ranging from 20% for the Willamette Valley blend to 35-40% for single-vineyard bottlings.
The winery practices sustainable farming at the St. Dolores Estate, implementing dry farming techniques once vines are established and utilizing cover crops to manage soil health and vineyard biodiversity. Harvest decisions are based on physiological ripeness rather than target sugar levels, typically resulting in lower alcohol percentages between 12.5% and 13.5%.
In the cellar, Prosser employs native yeast fermentations when possible and minimizes filtration, with many wines bottled unfiltered. The winery's sparkling program follows traditional méthode champenoise, with secondary fermentation in bottle and extended aging on lees for a minimum of 36 months before disgorgement.